Top Rated Allergy-Friendly Colleges 2021

unh hero

The 50 most allergy-friendly colleges! Our guide features the most allergy friendly colleges reviewed by Spokin app users. Just in time for college touring, the Spokin app has reviews for hundreds of colleges. Congrats to the number 1 rated Cornell University and if you have a school that you are attending or recently graduated from, please share your experience on the Spokin app. See our 2023 list of the Top 100 Allergy-Friendly Colleges for more college reviews!

app storeqr 1

1. Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, New York

“Extremely allergy aware and proactive. Met with a nutritionist when I first started and received the dining hall chefs’ phone numbers so I could call ahead if I wanted something special prepared in advance. All items are clearly labeled. There is a gluten free section in specific dining halls with bread, desserts, etc. for allergy people! One dining hall is gluten free entirely! Restaurants in the area are also extremely allergy sensitive! Such a special place, I was so lucky to attend.”

@allergytravelr who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, soy, shellfish, wheat, Celiac-gluten, fruit, and grain allergies

2. Vanderbilt University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

“All of the Vanderbilt dining halls are completely nut-free. There are a few cafès on campus that do have nuts, but they are very aware of allergies. If you have a limited option of foods, Vanderbilt provides a service on their dining app in which you can order almost any food ahead of time and have it ready for you when you arrive in the dining hall. They make the food especially for you to fit your needs.”

@brookeblumberg who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

3. Northwestern University

Location: Evanston, Illinois

“I had a great experience dealing with my allergy while in college. I was able to easily eat in most dining halls after meeting with food services/staff in the dining halls at the beginning of freshman year. Evanston also has tons of safe restaurants.”

@beckgro who manages peanut and lentil allergies

4. University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

“UMich has extensive dining hall protocols in place to make sure food is sanitary and students are aware of the full list of ingredients. At each station there is a complete list of all of the ingredients in the dish, highlighting the common allergens. This ingredient list is also on the dining hall app that is updated each day for each dining hall. Additionally, each dining hall has a separate room for gluten free students, which requires their “mcard” in order to swipe in.”

@lgoldsmith26 who manages tree nut and milk allergies

5. Michigan State University

Location: East Lansing, Michigan

“It has been awhile since I ate in the dining halls here, but in 2011-2013ish they were all safe for me to eat with a very severe airborne peanut and moderate tree nut/legume allergies. Brody was my main neighborhood place and they walked me through the food areas my first week to describe what is safe and what isn’t. I just spoke to someone in charge at each dining hall before eating anything. A lot of the dining halls have/are being renovated and I’m sure they’re even more on top of allergies now than they were when I was there! (Hello top 8 allergen free hall!)”

@sabudama who manages peanut, tree nut, and legume allergies

6. Stanford University

Location: Stanford, California

“Stanford has one dining hall called Ricker that is entirely peanut and tree nut free! It is a lifesaver for folks with allergies to be able to a wide variety of great food without having to worry and the food is great too.”

@gfnutfreemama who manages a tree nut allergy

7. Washington University in St. Louis

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

“I have been a student at WashU for about two years and have found it very easy to manage my food intolerances. WashU uses the GetFood app which allows me to order food that is prepared in a separate location safely. Furthermore, almost everything is labeled so it is easy to tell what contains gluten and peanuts. The staff is extremely helpful”

@lkaniewski who manages peanut and Celiac-gluten allergies

Untitled design (13).png

8. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Location: Champaign, Illinois

“The dining services had a program where you could fill out a form specifying which dorm you wanted to eat at, what time you would be coming in, what your allergies were, and what kind of food you wanted. The chefs are super knowledgeable and enjoy the program because it gives them a chance to make a fun, personalized meal.”

@kevinbrenner21 who manages milk, wheat, and Celiac-gluten allergies

uc.png

9. University of Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois

“One of the best allergy policies in the country.”

@apalin who manages peanut and soy allergies

10. Elon University

Location: Elon, North Carolina

“First of all, the school has a dining hall section that is COMPLETELY allergy-friendly. It is free of the top 8 allergens with no cross contamination. Each dining hall’s menu items each day are listed online with all of their ingredients listed. These menus, with the ingredients and items, are also displayed on screens above the different dining hall stations. They also have my favorite allergy-friendly brands as “grab and go” snack items in the different dining halls. They also have extensive amounts of allergy-friendly food items in each of the stores on campus. I’m able to find my favorite allergy-friendly ice cream, cookies, baking mixes, etc. just down the hill from my dorm!! ”

@allergystrategy who manages peanut, milk, egg, fish, and shellfish allergies

11. Juniata College

Location: Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

“Great staff that went above and beyond to help me find safe choices—even to the point of making special desserts for me so I could try safe versions of foods like crème brûlée for the very first time!”

@jd3at who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

rJxrpNB5mr.png

12. Rowan University

Location: Glassboro, New Jersey

“I was able to continue allergy shots at school with the help of the nurses at the health center communicating with my allergist!”

@khill13 who manages peanut, tree nut, and legume allergies

13. Syracuse University

Location: Syracuse, New York

“I’m a rising junior at Syracuse and I have had nothing but great experiences with Syracuse dining! Their menu is all listed online and if you click on the item, it shows you the nutritional information and the allergens. If for some reason there is a food that’s out at the dining hall that isn’t on the online menu, there is usually a QR code on it that will take you to the nutritional info and allergen info. Definitely make friends with the dining hall managers! They are willing and able to help! A few times they helped me navigate the omelette bar and they helped me by keeping foods like pasta separate for me. There is also an on-campus nutritionist that handles allergies and she is a great resource for helping to navigate your allergies! Also, when you fill out your housing form, if you say that you have allergies on the form about special accommodations, they can try to pair you with a roommate who also has allergies! I was unaware of that my freshman year but I wish I had been!”

@carlinhanley who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, and seed allergies

14. New York University

Location: New York, New York

“I was really comfortable with NYU’s dining. I only frequented the dining halls occasionally, but I always felt I could find a safe option. I was also able to live in a dorm room with a kitchen every year I lived on-campus. I also did a summer abroad at NYU Florence and the team in their dining hall was incredible.”

@vpizz who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

ryebujaUtQ.png

15. Boston University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

“Each semester the nutrition center met with each student with dietary restrictions to figure out meal plans and safe options. A separate dedicated pantry in each dining hall is available to anyone with allergies”

@nutfreefun who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

HklLNNxJLH.png

16. University of Denver

Location: Denver, Colorado

“Sodexo handles the cafeteria food, and all the chefs are AllerTrained. Every ingredient is marked on cards by the food and also available on TV screens throughout the cafeteria. There is Simple Servings available, which is free of 7 of the Top 8 food allergens (fish is served). Accommodations can be made for living in the dorm through the Disability Services Offices. Living on campus is required for 2 years.”

@allergicchild who manages a peanut allergy and mast cell disorder

17. Oklahoma State University

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

“First responders on campus are trained to administer epi. Student services has a clear process to begin accommodation plans. A knowledgeable dietitian helps lead you through the dining hall system.”

@foodallergymomkc who manages peanut and milk allergies

18. St. Mary’s College of California

Location: Moraga, California

“The Dining Hall staff are very accommodating to allergies. Because the college is so small, staff members recognize you and can plan for alternative meal choices.”

@skelly4545 who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

19. Merrimack College

Location: North Andover, Massachusetts

“Had a dedicated area for students with food allergies where safe foods were kept. All food served in the cafeteria had a sign next to it stating the ingredients and allergy information.”

@ckr16 who manages peanut, tree nut, and soy allergies

20. Illinois State University

Location: Normal, Illinois

“The head of Food Service and Dining was very attentive and assured my daughter that she could call or visit her office every day to check the safety of any food on the menu. She was amazing! And, my daughter loved the food at ISU. She said it tasted homemade. The weekly menu is available on an app and lists all allergens a meal may contain. I would highly recommend ISU to other allergic students.”

@rzn3grlz who manages peanut, tree nut, and soy allergies

21. Tulane University

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

“Wow. I met with a dietician to go over everything I need to know about how to handle my severe peanut and tree nut allergies in college. (I’m attending Tulane in fall), and not only are the cafeterias peanut and tree nut free, but they also have a section and a room (being built for fall 2019) where it’s completely peanut, tree nut, and gluten free. The school is AllerTrained which means a lot and is very careful with cross contamination. Wow. Feel so safe going here”

@gabbylevinson who manages peanut, tree nut, and fruit allergies

Skx1Gy3F7H.png

22. Carnegie Mellon University

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“Carnegie Mellon went out of the way within the last year to create a place to get food on campus that is completely free of the top 8 allergens. This place is called Nourish. They have prepared foods available around campus or you can place an order online and go pick it up fresh. The food is quite tasty.”

@punkinmama who manages tree nut and milk allergies

23. Santa Clara University

Location: Santa Clara, California

“Santa Clara University’s staff has made it very easy for me to enjoy food on campus. There are a lot more food allergy options than I thought there would be. Every dining place I have been to on campus has been extremely well accommodating to my needs!”

@mkraus2 who manages egg and seed allergies

Untitled design (13).png

24. Miami University

Location: Oxford, Ohio

“Miami has numerous signs and displays at their on campus dining halls/restaurants that make students aware that they are allergy-friendly.”

@sigmanhr who manages peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies

25. University of Rochester

Location: Monroe County, New York

“There’s an entire dining hall that is peanut and tree nut free on campus. Also, the on-campus grocery store carries allergy-friendly brands. Even the dining halls that aren’t allergen-free had lots of options with salad bars and helpful staff who were willing to clean cooking spaces and make something safe.”

@em44411 who manages tree nut and fruit allergies

26. The University of Texas at Austin

Location: Austin, Texas

“There is a food allergy center available, plus a food bar in the dining hall providing foods free of the 9 main allergens.”

@celie who manages peanut, seed, vegetable, fruit, and mesquite allergies

Byg1R1xEfm.png

27. Skidmore College

Location: Saratoga Springs, New York

“I attended Skidmore College and the staff was absolutely incredible. During my freshman year, I was on a restricted 10 food diet while investigating EoE + anaphylaxis and the dining staff custom prepared every meal for me so that I could “be normal” and eat with friends in the dining hall. I was able to request meals and they were stored in a separate test kitchen to prevent contamination. They were exceptional. In my second year, the college enabled me to move into upper classmen housing with a kitchen and select friends to move in with so that I could also have a kitchen.”

@lbernstein12 who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, wheat, seed, and vegetable allergies

HJe7xRMm4S.png

28. University of Connecticut

Location: Storrs, Connecticut

“My son is a student at UConn (junior). He advocates for himself. Before attending he was very diligent about contacting the Center for Student Disabilities and the Director of Dining Services about his food allergies (anaphylactic to tree nuts and also kiwi). They were very accommodating. He met with the dining services director and understood what was safe for him and what to avoid. There was clear labeling. My son always carries his EPI or AuviQ with him. The UCMB coordinates with the dining services office for their meals during the preseason and season and while they are traveling. They do this prior to the beginning of every school year. Since he attends UCONN we cannot go without mentioning the incredibly popular UCONN Dairy Bar. Each time he goes, he advises them about his tree nut allergy. They always use a clean scoop and a new bin. They have a separate area for scooping treats for those with allergies. He’s never had any issues.”

@svm0927 who manages tree nut and fruit allergies

H1x9AnrqlL.png

29. Bowling Green State University

Location: Bowling Green, Ohio

“I was able to speak to the dietician on campus, and the head chef, and they cleared my doubts. My meals are completely customized to the foods that are safe for me, as well as the types of food I like and don’t like. All I have to do is email about an hour before I go and they have food ready for me each time. In addition, the dietician on campus has arranged a teaching kitchen class for allergy students. Another great part of my experience is the fact that when I suggest something or have an issue, it is immediately acted upon. Last year, I asked if we could have more granola bars that I could eat in the little markets that we have on campus. A few weeks later, they were there, along with a bunch of other products from that brand. Food is a big piece about feeling at home, and I can gladly say that Bowling Green is my second home because of the people that have helped me feel safe enough to eat there.”

@felber6868 who manages peanut and grain allergies

HJgcVSsm-U.png

30. Ohio State University

Location: Columbus, Ohio

“Ohio State did an amazing job accommodating my allergies! I registered with Disability Services for housing accommodations because I was worried about living in the dorms with someone else who didn’t have allergies. That process really paid off for me in the long run and I highly recommend doing so. Their dining facilities also have a great labeling policy for allergens that are visible and easy to follow. Certain cafeterias even have dedicated gluten free/allergy-friendly sections. I always felt safe eating on campus and had a dining plan all four years!”

@alyssabauder who manages peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish and legume allergies

31. Wheaton College

Location: Norton, Massachusetts

“I am going to be an incoming freshman here, and have not started the semester yet, but so far from what I’ve learned, they are very good with food allergy safe options in the dining hall! They have two separate dining halls, and in Chase dining hall they have a dedicated area for I believe top 9 now! Every dish in that section is top 9 free so I know I will always be safe in that section. The dining hall services also would allow you to have special meals made if you have several allergies or feel more comfortable that way!”

@daphlevy who manages a tree nut allergy

32. Claremont McKenna College

Location: Claremont, California

“I’m a Scripps student but my major is through CMC, so I end up spending a lot of my time here! The staff and administration are so helpful. When you start college with food allergies/dietary restrictions, they encourage you to meet with a representative of the dining hall to discuss your allergies and what you need. I’ve had pretty good experiences dining at their dining hall (they do use nuts but label fairly well), and overall have felt that they are helpful to students with food allergies.”

@emsnutfreeeats who manages peanut, tree nut, wheat, Celiac-gluten allergies

BkgmqCA4DI.png

33. University of California Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles, California

“UCLA has the #1 or #2 dining hall ranking in the US every year. I was extremely spoiled being able to attend this school with the food allergies I have. I am anaphylactic to dairy, peanuts, and all tree nuts, but never felt restricted when it came to eating and food at UCLA. The dining halls were extremely varied in food options, each meal of the day was updated on an app so you could see every ingredient used on every dish. Additionally UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the country, is within 10 minutes of any spot on campus. I suffered 3 anaphylactic shocks while at UCLA (none from dining halls) and I was able to walk 2 of the times from my apartment into the emergency room and get treated right away. I was given incredible attention and help at the hospital, so I felt very safe during my time at university.”

@gracefriendly who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, wheat, and Celiac-gluten allergies

34. George Mason University

Location: Fairfax, Virginia

“I’ve had an amazing experience with GMU’s dining staff! Upon first entering as a freshman, there were no options for me that were made safely in separate areas without my allergens, so every week the dietician would create a menu based on my preferences and email me the menu. It was always prepared safely for me in a separate area without my allergens. They went as far as providing me with their cell numbers to text them the times I was coming to eat so my food wouldn’t be cold. I was able to safely dine in the dining hall with all the other students for the first 2 years of college, then in my junior year, they created a station called Simple Servings. Simple Servings serves top 8 allergy free food items daily, 3x a day in a dedicated allergy free section/ station. They have their own simple serving specific pans, pots, utensils, and ingredients. They also have allergen-free baked goods, sun butter, rice milk, etc. I am so grateful for their attention and help with my allergies. I’ve never had a better experience at any other college.”

@ashleybga who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, soy, seed, lima bean, and halibut allergies

35. University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“I was extremely impressed with Penn’s ability to accommodate my peanut and tree nut allergies while on the dining plan. After speaking with the on campus dietician, I learned that the only peanut/nut products present in all the dining halls at Penn were peanut butter for toast and nuts in some desserts. I was able to eat freely all year with minimal stress about stray allergens in my food. Plus the staff are frequently reminded of allergen cross-contact protocol and there are signs in every kitchen about it. Penn couldn’t be better at making sure nut-free dining is not just accessible, but a given for a student with allergies!”

@mfrantz who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

36. Vassar College

Location: Dutchess County, New York

“Vassar recently updated their meal plan and dining hall. There are different sections in the ACDC (the dining hall) that are conscientious of food allergies and diets. For example, the Oasis section (which oftentimes has delicious options) is for those with food allergies and diets. They also have a Kosher section in the dining hall. Also, the campus is very good about trying to serve everyone’s needs for all-campus such as offering options that are gluten-free, vegan, etc.”

@jamartinez who manages peanut and shellfish allergies

37. University of Missouri

Location: Columbia, Missouri

“I have had nothing but great experiences with Mizzou dining! They always have allergy friendly options when asked and even keep specific fridges filled with alternative foods for students of all common allergens. Overall it had lots of options an educated staff who were willing to make adjustments as necessary”

@diver96 who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

cpbu9gR54n.jpg

38. Auburn University

Location: Auburn, Alabama

“In three of the dining halls there are allergy stations called True Balance which serve meals free from the top 8 food allergens! My go-to place to eat for dinner! There are also a ton of other allergy-friendly places to eat on campus!”

@liarw who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

39. University of San Francisco

Location: San Francisco, California

“Before my freshman year began, I sat down with the woman in charge of the cafeteria. She told me everything I could eat/could not eat. We also had flexi dollars to pay with. They allowed me to get on a special plan where I didn’t need to spend as much money because they knew I wouldn’t be eating quite as much from the cafeteria as other students. I was able to buy a lot of safe groceries in the cafeteria store as well. They even offered to grocery shop for me if I wanted them to and they would deliver it to my room. I didn’t accept the offer because I felt more confident in my own ability to shop safely for myself but it was so kind to offer. No reactions all 4 years!”

@alliecastro22 who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

SkgQrgH_LB.png

40. Brandeis University

Location: Waltham, Massachusetts

“The dining hall worked hard with me to try to accommodate my allergies. They have a top 8 free section in each dining hall that has hot meal options, gluten free bread, a dedicated microwave, toaster, allergy safe brownies, cookies, etc. With my long list of allergies, they were not able to accommodate everything. I was able to easily get housing accommodations to have my own kitchen in a suite with three friends who all agreed to avoid my allergens.”

@girlbehindhive who manages peanut, tree nut, soy, shellfish, Celiac-gluten, seed, fruit, and legume allergies

41. Southern Methodist University

Location: Dallas, Texas

“SMU offers access to an entire pantry located in the center of the dining hall full of gluten free options. Some of these options include all of Udi’s bread products (sandwich bread, bagels, muffins), frozen pizzas, frozen chicken nuggets, frozen waffles, and various amounts of cereals. They also accommodate many other dietary restrictions in the pantry such as vegan and keto diets. Even if you don’t see one of your favorite gluten free products, you can request them on this form in the pantry, and often they will purchase it for the pantry. Outside of the pantry, the omelet and sandwich station is gluten free.”

@shosbein who manages wheat and Celiac-gluten allergies

42. Texas State University

Location: San Marcos, Texas

“They just opened a booth that is completely allergy-friendly! It’s mostly salads and simple sandwiches but they also have frozen options in a separate area that are completely gluten free. Freshmen with meal plans can use a “swipe” to get gluten free meals at this booth. Jones is the best dining hall for students with food allergies, by far!”

@alyssawake who manages peanut and fruit allergies

43. Belmont University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

“They have a Simple Servings station which is free of all major allergens and uses a separate kitchen. The staff is always there and ready to answer any questions you may have. This made going way to college much easier!”

@mbaldes who manages peanut, milk, sodium benzoate, olive oil, and tumeric allergies

44. Purchase College

Location: Harrison, New York

“Purchase College had great options at all dining locations! The Hub has gluten free bread for sandwiches as well as wraps and cross contamination is taken very seriously. The main dining hall has everything clearly marked with allergens and educated staff. Terra Ve is a delicious dining spot on campus with vegan and vegetarian options and plenty of gluten free choices. I felt the staff was very educated and they were accommodating!”

@gflongisland who manages a Celiac-gluten allergy

45. Smith College

Location: Northampton, Massachusetts

“Smith’s dining system is more accommodating to food allergies because it is not centralized. There are around 8 dining halls on campus, and a few of the dining halls specialize in special diets. One dining hall is completely nut and fish free, one is vegetarian and vegan friendly, and another is gluten free and safe for those with Celiac. The gluten free dining hall also ends up accommodating other allergies and is mostly nut free. Labeling of food ingredients and common allergens is usually correct, but it is better to ask if you are unsure; staff are always willing to answer your questions!”

@elise who manages peanut, tree nut, and Celiac-gluten allergies

46. Northeastern University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

“Northeastern University is one of the best colleges for those of us with allergies. All of the dining hall not only accommodates those with allergies of any type but they also take an extra step to ensure that all individuals who have allergies are protected no matter what. I’ve had the best eating experience here thus far and there has never been a point where I’ve worried about what I’m eating.”

@mthomp2468 who manages a peanut allergy

Untitled design (17).png

47. Samford University

Location: Birmingham, Alabama

“Attended SU for my undergrad and graduate degrees. Lived on campus for 4 years and actively engaged with the cafeteria staff/manager. A “Simple Servings” station was created to provide daily dishes free of the top 8 allergens. Each item in the cafeteria also includes a food label and lists common allergens. The salad bar is also fantastic and nuts/croutons are kept to the side to not contaminate the other ingredients. Be sure to ask questions if uncertain and avoid the station in the middle where all food is cooked on one hot plate if cross contamination is a concern to you. Overall great facilities and they really try to accommodate all diets/allergens!”

@jhartle1 who manages peanut, tree nut, wheat, and Celiac-gluten allergies

Untitled design (17).png

48. University of Maryland

Location: College Park, Maryland

“UMD has an staff that is amazing when it comes to food allergies. As a big university, their exposure to food-allergic kids has only increased their awareness of the issue and their ability to accommodate it. They cater so well to my allergies, and have a program in which I can talk directly to chefs so they can know what I am allowed to have. At the beginning of every week I email all of the top chefs on campus saying what meals I want, at which dining hall I want the meals, and at what time I want the meals. The chefs all have a list of my food allergies, and they have been great at accommodating me!”

@jfried_02 who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, seed, and legume allergies

49. University of Missouri-Kansas City: Volker Campus

Location: Kansas City, Missouri

“The dining hall at the Volker Campus has a dedicated area called “Simple Servings” that is safe for individuals with common food allergies. It is really nice to have a special place for students with dietary needs. Plus, anyone can get food from this area. Many people choose the Simple Servings meal because it’s usually healthier. I have eaten food from the regular areas as well and love their pizza. Definitely be cautious, however, because sometimes the staff isn’t aware of the allergens in the regular serving area. I don’t know if UMKC has Epipens or other allergen emergency services on campus, so I always carry my Epipen in my backpack and make it aware to my friends in case something happens.”

@user123456789 who manages peanut and tree nut allergies

50. Florida State University

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

“FSU has been so accommodating with me. They gave me a private room so I had space to cook my food. The dining hall has a section free from the top 8 allergens by itself on so there is no risk of cross contamination. The dining hall also has a worry free zone where there are prepackaged gluten and nut free foods. There is also a health and wellness building that has a variety of doctors and services. FSU is amazing”

@britneyb who manages peanut, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, wheat, Celiac-gluten, seed, grain, meat, and fructose allergies

Get the Spokin word in your inbox!
Be the first to get the latest updates and exclusive content sent to your email.

close-link